this post was submitted on 19 Jul 2024
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Water TDS (lemmy.today)
submitted 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
 

For the longest time I've wondered why my coffee tends to run either bitter or too watery. I even bought a fancy 64mm flat burr grinder, and noticed the problem became even more pronounced.

Everyone always says how important water is, and I figured my reverse osmosis water with an alkaline stage was probably fine, coming out of the tap at around 50 PPM. It turns out the ideal TDS is actually around 150. My water's TDS was too low. More info here: https://www.raleighcoffeecompany.com/tds-and-coffee/

Using a cheap TDS meter and water alkaline drops, I got my water's TDS up to around 150 PPM by adding a couple drops into my kettle, and brewed a cup of coffee with it. It actually made a difference! Lesson learned, pay attention to your water.

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago (1 children)

What's an affordable way to check TDS?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago

TDS meters are cheap, around $15. If I were to buy a new one, I’d look for one that could also read the pH level.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago

I use third wave and distilled water for my coffee, very consistent this way.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 3 months ago

Highly recommend cupping your favourite coffee with different kinds of water (e.g. tap, mineral, DIY water see below). It's pretty eye opening.

Here's how to make your own, if you're motivated to try: https://www.baristahustle.com/diy-water-recipes-the-world-in-two-bottles/

[–] [email protected] 6 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

Interestingly, Coffee Chronicler says the ideal TDS for filter coffee is a bit lower, ideally 30-100 PPM: https://coffeechronicler.com/best-water-for-coffee/

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago

Oh, I'm gonna try this! I feel like my brew is 'ok', but this makes me think it can be so much better.